Sport personal coach system

ABSTRACT

A call center system for coaching a player in judgmental aspects of an athletic sport or for practicing judgmental aspects of the sport includes a call center computer having a display and a memory. The system may also include a camera, a telephone, and a position locator system. Either the pictures stored in the memory or pictures taken with the camera are used to provide coaching or practice. Pictures of a golf course, golf course mapping data, or both are stored in a call center system. GPS data indicating the position of a golf ball on a golf course hole is used to provide either an overhead view of the hole and terrain features, pictures of the course at or near the location of the ball, or both, on a golf professional computer display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of electronic personalcoaches that assist individuals in learning and playing a sport, andmore particularly to the information exchange aspect of such a personalcoaching system.

2. Statement of the Problem

U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,290 issued Aug. 16, 2005 to Carl A. Forest and U.S.Pat. No. 6,757,572 issued Jun. 29, 2004 to the same inventor, disclose acomputerized system and method for practicing and instructing in asport. These patents explain a sport personal coaching system and methodusing the game of golf as an example. In the disclosed system, the userenters into a client computer a plurality of discrete physical factorsdescribing a real or hypothetical situation in the sport. For example, aplayer on a golf course has the ability to enter information concerningthe distance to the pin, or the green, the grade to the green, thecondition of the green, e.g., fast or slow, obstacles between the balland the green, the terrain in which the ball is located, the lie of theball, the slope on which the ball lies, the position of the golfer withrespect to the ball, and the environmental conditions, such as wind. Todo this the user selects one of a variety of alternatives from a pulldown menu. For example, the user can select the type of lie by selectingone of the following from a pull down menu: divot, embedded, hard, softetc. Alternatively, at least some of the discrete physical factors canbe automatically entered. For example, a geophysical position system(GPS) can be used to locate the ball position on the course and providethe distance to the pin. After the discrete physical factors have beenentered, the system then assists the player in choosing the appropriateactions to take in response to the physical situation, e.g., the properclub, the proper shot, the proper grip, the proper stance, the properswing, etc. The user can also use the system in practicing thejudgmental aspects of a sport, for example on a home personal computer.The user can purchase packages in which the instructions are those of aparticular expert, such as a particular golf professional. In thismanner, the user gets personal coaching on a particular physical golfingsituation.

In another embodiment, of the system of the above-identified patents, auser can obtain real-time assistance from golf professional. In thisembodiment, the discrete physical factors input into the client systemare transmitted in real time to a computer accessible to golfprofessional where the golf professional can view them on a display. Thegolf professional then can communicate the appropriate actions to theuser. The user and the professional can also talk to each other, withthe professional providing comments and instructions on the user's play.

The system of the U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,931,290 and 6,757,572 is highlyuseful and a significant advance that is not provided by any other knownsports coaching system. However, these systems have not yet becomecommercially successful and adapted by the golfing community. In actualplay, the exchange of data between the user and the system, and the userand the professional can often slow up play on a golf course. Toaccurately describe an actual golfing physical situation in detail, alot of data has to be uploaded to the system of the '290 and '572patents. Further, words such as “hard” or “soft” have different meaningsto different people, and players sometimes are indecisive aboutselecting descriptions from the pull down menus. Further, the inherentambiguity in such terms leads to inaccuracies in the coaching. Thisprevents the system from being as useful as it could be on the golfcourse, as the user can be rushed, or decide not to use the systembecause the user has been asked to speed up his or her game. In sportsother than golf, such as rock climbing, this can be an even moresignificant problem because the constraints of the sport can requireprompt, decisive action. Even in the practice mode, the input of dataand the providing of instructions as described in the U.S. Pat. Nos.6,931,290 and 6,757,572 can slow the practice, or at times createambiguity that hinders learning. Thus, it would be highly desirable tohave a method and apparatus for exchanging input data and instructionsin an electronic personal sport coaching system that was faster, lessambiguous, more intuitive and thus more acceptable to the average sportsplayer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application discloses a number of improvements to the disclosure ofthe U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,931,290 (the '290 patent) and 6,757,572 (the '572patent) mentioned above. This application also discloses improvements togolf range finder systems such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,093issued Nov. 15, 1994 to Charles D. Huston et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,485issued Apr. 16, 1996 to Donald Fisher, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,786issued Nov. 11, 1997 to Douglas P. Dudley. The disclosure of all five ofthe above patents is hereby incorporated by reference to the same extentas though fully disclosed herein.

An object of the invention is to level the playing field between theaverage player of a sport such as golf and the richer players andprofessionals. Professional golfers and people with enough money havecaddies that accompany them on the golf course. Such caddies provideassistance in all the judgmental aspects of golf. For example, they willprovide assistance in adjusting to the slope of the course, thecondition of the course, and suggestions on shots of all types.Wikepedia, for example, defines a caddy as “the person who carries aplayer's bag, and gives insightful advice and moral support. A goodcaddy is aware of the challenges and obstacles of the golf course beingplayed, along with the best strategy in playing it. This includesknowing overall yardage, pin placements and club selection.”(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caddy) As recognized in this article, asignificant part of the moral support is giving the player confidence inknowing that the various judgmental decisions are sound. People withlittle money are definitely at a disadvantage under current golfpractices.

The invention solves the above problems, as well as other problems ofthe prior art, and obtains the objects of the inventor, by providing asport call center that provides real-time coaching to a player of asport from a location remote from the player. Preferably, the system istransparent to the player. That is, the player only needs to telephonethe call center and the call center does the rest. That is, the callcenter connects the player to a coach and the coach already knows allthe essentials of what the player needs coaching about. For example, ifthe sport is golf, a player may be presented with a shot about which theplayer wants coaching. The player pulls out a cell phone, presses abutton that connects the player to the call center, a golf professionalcomes on the line, and the professional is immediately able to coach theplayer on the shot. The system is able to accomplish this because italready includes a large variety of information about the terrain of thegolf course as a function of the location coordinates. When the playertelephones the call center, the location coordinates, preferablydetermined by a GPS system, are automatically uploaded to the callcenter. The call center only needs to pull up the stored informationabout the course, and it is able to present to the professional theposition of the ball, the terrain at the position of the ball, thedistance to the green, the pin, and other hazards. Preferably, thesystem also has available a large amount of information about the playerin a player database. The call center system is able to present thisinformation about the player to the professional prior to any discussionwith the player because the player's identification is preferably alsoautomatically uploaded to the call center along with the locationcoordinates. The call center only needs to use the player ID to retrievethe player information and transmit it to the professional for theprofessional to have detailed knowledge of the player's abilities.Preferably, even the speed of the green and the local weather areavailable to the professional before the professional exchanges a wordwith the player. The system is able to do this because it includes aterrain mapper and course database that stores all information that hasbeen previously entered into the system. As we shall see below, thesystem according to the invention has a large variety of ways to acquiredetailed information about the course and the player.

The invention solves the above problems, as well as other problems ofthe prior art, by providing a method and system of communicating thediscrete physical factors and the coaching that is more direct and hasless chance of being misunderstood. In one embodiment of the system,instead of asking the user to input data by selecting words ordescriptions, the system presents a variety of pictures of possiblephysical situations, and the user may select the picture that is closestto the actual physical situation. In this embodiment, the picturepresentation is preferably iterative. That is, when the user selects thepicture that is closest to the physical situation, the system provides asecond layer of pictures, each picture differing a small amount from thefirst selected picture, giving the user an opportunity to more narrowlydefine the physical situation. We have found that the average user canmuch more quickly respond to pictures than to descriptions in words,whether printed or spoken.

Moreover, since the system knows precisely the physical situation thepicture depicts, there is significantly less ambiguity in thecommunication, and the coaching that results is more accurate. In fact,it has been found that the pictures according to the invention have lessinherent ambiguity than even talking to a professional. Thecommunication of the physical situation by the user can be either to asystem that automatically provides coaching, or to a golf professional.The pictures selected by the player are preferably stored in the coursedatabase and associated with the location coordinates or the ballposition at which the pictures were selected.

In another embodiment, the user communicates with the system and/or theprofessional, by taking one or more pictures of the ball and itslocation and inputting them into the system and communicating them tothe system and/or the professional. Preferably, the one or more picturesinclude one or more close-ups of the ball, and more preferably, aplurality of close-up pictures, each picture showing the position of theball from a different perspective. The terrain mapper also stores thesepictures in the course database in association with the positioncoordinates.

In another embodiment, the user communicates with the system and/or thegolf professional by sending the position coordinates of the ball. Thesystem and/or the golf professional computer has a detailed mapping ofthe course, which may include course layouts similar to those in aconventional golf range finder, pictures of the course previously takenat or near the location of the ball, and other information about thecourse terrain in the vicinity of the ball, such as the pictures which aprevious user has selected as being closest to the terrain in thevicinity of the ball. In this embodiment, preferably, a picture of thecurrent ball physical situation may also be sent to the professional.The picture may be one selected by the user from a set of pictures, orit may be a photograph of the ball, or both.

It has been found that, if the system or professional have an electronicmap of the course available in the system memory, pictures of the courseavailable in the system memory, or both, the physical situation that thegolfer faces on a course can be completely communicated to aprofessional simply by communicating the location coordinates of theball. Preferably, a close-up picture of the physical situation may alsobe also taken and sent to the system and/or the professional. Theterrain mapper and the course database greatly reduce the amount ofinformation that must be sent to the professional and the time it takesto fully inform the professional of the physical situation.

It has been found that the use of pictures for communicating even isuseful in the practice mode of the system of the invention. It makes thepractice faster and more meaningful, and more like a real golfsituation. This is particularly true for close up pictures.

The invention provides a method for coaching a player in judgmentalaspects of golf or for practicing the judgmental aspects of golf, themethod comprising: providing a client computer having a first display;displaying a plurality of pictures on the first display, each of thepictures showing a different physical situation of a golf ball that mayoccur in golf; receiving an input indicating that the player hasselected one of the pictures to describe a golf ball physical situationwith respect to which the player wants coaching; receiving additionalinputs describing the golf ball physical situation, including distanceinformation, sufficient to provide coaching related to the golf ballphysical situation; and providing coaching to the player relating to thegolf ball physical situation shown in the selected picture. Preferably,the providing the coaching comprises storing action information in amemory and electronically and automatically selecting a plurality ofspecific discrete physical actions from the stored action informationand displaying them on the display based on the received input.Preferably, the providing the coaching comprises: providing aprofessional computer remote from the client computer, the professionalcomputer having a second display; displaying the selected picture andthe additional inputs on the second display; review of the selectedpicture and additional inputs by an expert in the sport; andcommunicating the coaching to the player by the expert. Preferably, theclient computer includes a range finder system and the receivingadditional inputs comprises using the range finder system to generate anoverhead view of a golf course hole showing distances from the golf ballto predetermined terrain features of the golf course hole; thedisplaying on the second display comprises displaying the overhead viewof the golf course hole with distances on the second display; and theproviding coaching comprises providing the coaching based on theoverhead view as well as the golf ball physical situation shown in thepicture. Preferably, displaying a plurality of pictures and thereceiving an input are repeated a plurality of times and each time adifferent set of pictures is displayed. Preferably, the plurality ofpictures are selected from picture sets illustrating the lie of a golfball, the slope of the course in the direction of the intended line offlight at the position of a golf ball, or the ball position uphill ordownhill of the player along a line substantially perpendicular to theplane of the player's body. Preferably, the displaying a plurality ofpictures comprises displaying pictures selected from the groupconsisting of: pictures showing the lie of a golf ball, each of thepictures showing a different lie that may occur on a golf course;pictures showing the slope of the course in the direction of theintended line of flight at the position of a golf ball, each of thepictures showing a different such slope that may occur on a golf course;and pictures showing the ball position uphill or downhill of the playeralong a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of theplayer's body from left to right, each of the pictures showing adifferent such ball position that may occur on a golf course.

The invention also provides a method for coaching a player in judgmentalaspects of golf or for practicing the judgmental aspects of golf, themethod comprising: providing a client computer having a display and acamera; providing a second computer at a location remote from the clientcomputer, the second computer having a display; using the camera, takinga picture of a physical situation of a golf ball for which the playerwants coaching; transmitting the picture to the second computer;displaying the picture on the display of the second computer; andproviding real-time coaching to the player based on the picture.Preferably, the method preferably comprises determining the positioncoordinates of the golf ball and the transmitting comprises transmittingthe position coordinates. Preferably, the position coordinates includethe altitude of golf ball in the picture. Preferably the picture isselected from the group consisting of an overhead view of the golf ball,a left side view of the golf ball, a right side view of the golf ball, afront view of the golf ball, a back view of the golf ball and a distanceview toward the green from the golf ball. Preferably, the providing aprofessional computer comprises providing a plurality of theprofessional computers and the method further comprises: providing acall center computer including call center software; and using the callcenter computer to select the one of the professional computers to whichto transmit the picture. Preferably, the providing a client computercomprises providing a cell phone and wherein the method furthercomprises: providing a telephone at the location of the professionalcomputer; and the user and a professional golfer at the location of theprofessional computer talking about the golf ball physical situationshown in the picture.

The invention further provides a method for coaching a player injudgmental aspects of golf or for practicing the judgmental aspects ofgolf, the method comprising: providing a recording system; recording agolf ball physical situation that occurs while a player is playing golf;transmitting the recorded golf ball physical situation to a professionalcomputer remote from the recording system; displaying the recorded andtransmitted golf ball physical situation on the professional computer;and providing coaching to the player, by an expert at the location ofthe professional computer, based on a review of the recorded golf ballphysical situation. Preferably, the recording further comprisesrecording: one or more actions taken by the player in response to thegolf ball physical situation; and the result of the actions; thetransmitting further comprises transmitting the recorded one or moreactions and the recorded result; and the providing coaching comprisesproviding coaching to the player, by an expert at the location of theprofessional computer, based on a review of the recorded golf ballphysical situation, the recorded one or more actions, and the recordedresult. Preferably, the providing a recording system comprises aproviding a golf range finder system with a memory, and the methodfurther comprises: using the range finder system, generating an overheadview of a golf course hole showing distances from the golf ball topredetermined terrain features of the golf course hole; the transmittingcomprises transmitting the overhead view to the professional computer;and the displaying comprises displaying the overhead view on the displayof the professional computer. Preferably, the recording of the physicalsituation includes recording the altitude of the golf ball.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for coaching a playerin judgmental aspects of golf or for practicing the judgmental aspectsof golf, the method comprising: providing an electronic memory; storingin the memory: pictures of a golf ball physical situation that may occurin golf; and response pictures or response descriptions illustrating aplurality of actions that may be taken in response to the physicalsituation, the response picture or response descriptions including aresponse that an expert would take to the golf ball physical situation;receiving a request for the coaching or practice; in response to therequest, displaying the pictures of the golf ball physical situation;receiving an input requesting what an expert would respond to thephysical situation; and displaying the pictures or descriptionsillustrating the response of the expert. Preferably, the method furthercomprises displaying a plurality of the response pictures or responsedescriptions of possible actions responsive to the physical situation;receiving an input indicating the selection of one or more of theresponse pictures or response descriptions and recording the selection;and recording the selection. Preferably, the method further comprisescomparing the selected response pictures or response descriptions withthe response of the expert to determine a score and displaying thescore. Preferably, the method further comprises storing a record of thephysical situation and the score in a player database.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for coaching aplayer in judgmental aspects of golf, the method comprising: providing aclient computer having a client computer display and a golf professionalcomputer having a professional computer display; using the clientcomputer and the client computer display, selecting a plurality ofpictures illustrating a golf ball physical situation of immediateinterest to the player; transmitting the plurality of pictures to theprofessional computer and displaying the plurality of pictures on theprofessional computer display; and providing coaching to the player onthe judgmental aspects of golf at least partially based on the pluralityof pictures. Preferably, the selecting a plurality of pictures comprisesdisplaying a plurality of pictures on the client computer display, eachof the pictures comprising a picture illustrating a golf ball physicalsituation, each of the pictures illustrating a different gold ballphysical situation, and receiving an input that one of the plurality ofpictures has been selected. Preferably, the client computer has a cameraassociated with it and the selecting comprises taking a picture of agolf ball in a physical situation with the camera. Preferably, theclient computer includes a range finder system associated with it andthe selecting a plurality of pictures comprises, using the range findersystem, generating an overhead view of a golf course hole showingdistances from the golf ball to predetermined terrain features of thegolf course hole, and wherein the transmitting and displaying comprisestransmitting and displaying the overhead view of the golf course hole.Preferably, the providing a golf professional computer comprisesproviding a plurality of the golf professional computers, each having adisplay; the method further comprises providing a golf call centerserver computer; and the transmitting comprises, using the golf callcenter computer, choosing one of the golf professional computers towhich to transmit the pictures.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a system for coaching aplayer in judgmental aspects of golf or for practicing the judgmentalaspects of golf, the system comprising: a computer readable mediumembodying instructions for directing a first processing unit to: displayone or more pictures of a golf ball physical situation that may occur ingolf; receive an input requesting what an expert would respond to thephysical situation; and in response to the input, displaying a responsepicture or response description illustrating the response that an expertwould take to the golf ball physical situation. Preferably, theinstructions further include instructions for directing the firstprocessing unit to: receive a request to display a plurality of responsepictures or response descriptions of possible actions responsive to thephysical situation; in response to the request, display responsepictures or response descriptions illustrating a plurality of actions orplay items that may be taken in response to the physical situation;receive a signal indicating a selection of one or more of the responsepictures or response descriptions; and display the selected one or moreresponse pictures or response descriptions. Preferably, the instructionsfor directing further comprise instructions for directing the firstprocessing unit to: compare the selected response pictures or responsedescriptions to the response of the expert to determine a score; anddisplay the score. Preferably, the instructions to display one or morepictures of a golf ball physical situation comprise instructions fordirecting the first processing unit to display an overhead view of agolf course hole showing distances from the golf ball to predeterminedterrain features of the golf course hole.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a golf call center systemcomprising: a plurality of portable client computer systems, each havinga display, a memory, a camera, a portable telephone, and a golf callcenter client computer software application stored in the memory; aplurality of golf professional computers system, each having a golfprofessional computer memory, a golf professional computer display, atelephone, and a golf call center professional computer applicationstored in the golf professional computer memory; a call center servercomputer system; and a call center manager software application on thecall center server computer system. Preferably, the call center systemfurther includes stored prerecorded responses to a golf ball physicalsituation that may occur in playing golf. Preferably, the system furthercomprises a range finder system for generating an overhead view of agolf course hole showing distances from the golf ball to predeterminedterrain features of the golf course hole. Preferably, the system furthercomprises a player database storing information relating to the golfskills of a plurality of golf players. Preferably, the system furthercomprises a golf course database storing golf course mappinginformation.

In still another aspect, the invention provides a method for coaching aplayer in judgmental aspects of golf, the method comprising: providing:a client computer having a position locater system and a client computerdisplay; and golf call center system remote from the client computer,the golf call center system having a golf professional computer having aprofessional computer display; storing golf course mapping data on thecall center system; determining the location coordinates for a golf ballposition; transmitting the location coordinates to the golf call centersystem; using the location coordinates and the stored golf coursemapping data, generating with the call center system an overhead view ofa golf course hole showing the position of the ball and terrain featuresof the hole; displaying the overhead view of a golf course hole on theprofessional computer display; and coaching the player based on thegenerated overhead view. Preferably, the storing further includesstoring pictures of the golf course on the golf call center system, themethod further comprises displaying one or more of the pictures on theprofessional computer display, and the coaching comprises coaching theplayer based on the generated overhead view and the one or morepictures. Preferably, the storing further comprises storing playerinformation for a plurality of players on the golf call center system,the player information including the golf handicap of each of theplurality of players; the transmitting further comprises transmitting anidentification of the player to the golf call center system; the methodfurther comprises, responsive to the identification of the player,retrieving the stored player information for the player having theidentification; and the displaying further comprises displaying thestored and retrieved player information on the professional computerdisplay.

The invention also provides a method for coaching a player in judgmentalaspects of golf, the method comprising: providing: a client computerhaving a position locator system; and a golf call center system havingstored pictures of a plurality of golf courses, and having a golfprofessional computer having a professional computer display; using theposition locator system, determining the location coordinates for a golfball position on a golf course; transmitting the location coordinates tothe golf call center system; using the position location coordinates,displaying on the professional computer display one or more pictures ofthe golf course at or near the golf ball position; and coaching theplayer based on the one or more pictures.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for coaching a playerin judgmental aspects of a sport or for practicing the judgmentalaspects of the sport, the method comprising: providing a client computerhaving a first display; displaying a plurality of pictures on the firstdisplay, each of the pictures showing a different physical situationthat may occur in the sport; receiving an input indicating that theplayer has selected one of the pictures to describe a physical situationwith respect to which the player wants coaching; receiving additionalinputs describing the physical situation, including distanceinformation, sufficient to provide coaching related to the physicalsituation; and providing coaching to the player relating to the physicalsituation shown in the selected picture.

In yet another aspect, the system provides a method for coaching aplayer in judgmental aspects of a sport or for practicing the judgmentalaspects of the sport, the method comprising: providing a client computerhaving a display and a camera; providing a professional computer at alocation remote from the client computer, the professional computerhaving a display; using the camera, taking a picture of a physicalsituation in the sport for which the player wants coaching; transmittingthe picture to the professional computer; displaying the picture on thedisplay of the professional computer; and providing coaching to theplayer based on the picture.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for coaching aplayer in judgmental aspects of a sport or for practicing the judgmentalaspects of the sport, the method comprising: providing an electronicmemory; storing in the memory: pictures of a physical situation that mayoccur the sport; and response pictures or response descriptionsillustrating a plurality of actions that may be taken in response to thephysical situation, the response picture or response descriptionsincluding a response that an expert in the sport would take to thephysical situation; receiving a request for the coaching or practice; inresponse to the request, displaying the pictures of the physicalsituation; receiving an input requesting what an expert would respond tothe physical situation; and displaying the pictures or descriptionsillustrating the response of the expert. Preferably, the method furthercomprises: displaying a plurality of the response pictures or responsedescriptions of possible actions responsive to the physical situation;and receiving and input indicating the selection of one or more of theresponse pictures or response descriptions.

The system also provides a method for coaching a player in judgmentalaspects of a sport, the method comprising: providing a client computerhaving a client computer display and professional computer having aprofessional computer display; using the client computer and the clientcomputer display, selecting a plurality of pictures illustrating aphysical situation of immediate interest to the player; transmitting theplurality of pictures to the professional computer and displaying theplurality of pictures on the professional computer display; andproviding coaching to the player on the judgmental aspects of the sportat least partially based on the plurality of pictures.

In still a further aspect, the invention provides a system for coachinga player in judgmental aspects of a sport or for practicing thejudgmental aspects of the sport, the system comprising: a computerreadable medium embodying instructions for directing a first processingunit to: display one or more pictures of a physical situation that mayoccur in the sport; receive an input requesting what an expert wouldrespond to the physical situation; and in response to the input, displaya response picture or response description illustrating the responsethat an expert would take to the physical situation. Preferably, whereinthe instructions further include instructions for directing the firstprocessing unit to: receive a request to display a plurality of responsepictures or response descriptions of possible actions responsive to thephysical situation; in response to the request, display responsepictures or response descriptions illustrating a plurality of actionsthat may be taken in response to the physical situation; receive asignal indicating a selection of one or more of the response pictures orresponse descriptions; and display the selected one or more responsepictures or response descriptions.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a sport call centersystem comprising: a plurality of portable client computer systems, eachhaving a display, a memory, a camera, a cell phone, and a sport callcenter client computer software application stored in the memory; aplurality of professional computers system, each having a professionalcomputer memory, a professional computer display, a telephone, and acall center professional computer application stored in the professionalcomputer memory; a call center server computer system; and a call centermanager software application on the call center server computer system.Preferably, the system further includes golf course terrain maps for aplurality of golf courses stored in the call center server computersystem or one of the professional computer systems. Preferably, thesystem further includes pictures of a plurality of golf courses storedin the call center server computer system or one of the professionalcomputer systems.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a system for coaching aplayer in judgmental aspects of an athletic sport or for practicing thejudgmental aspects of the sport, the system comprising: a portableelectronic device including a first computer having a display and amemory, a camera; a telephone and a position locator system; and aplurality of pictures stored in the memory, each of the pictures showinga different physical situation that may occur in the sport.

The invention for the first time provides a sport coaching system thatis simple to use, accurate as well as being fast enough to be usedwithin the time constraints of sports, such as golf. Numerous otherfeatures, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a generalized electronic personal coachingsystem according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the display of physical factors that may beautomatically entered via a coordinate locater and information system;

FIG. 3 illustrates the display of some factors that may be entered via aconventional pull down menu, and icons that may be used to enterphysical factors that are described by pictures;

FIG. 4 illustrates a first layer of pictures that may be displayed tocommunicate the lie of the ball to the system;

FIG. 5 illustrates a second layer of pictures that may be displayed toassist the user in communicating one aspect of the lie of the ball;

FIG. 6 illustrates another second layer of pictures that may bedisplayed to assist the user in communicating a second aspect of the lieof the ball;

FIG. 7 illustrates pictures that may be displayed to assist the user incommunicating the ball position relative to the golfer;

FIG. 8 illustrates pictures that may be displayed to assist the user incommunicating the slope of ground in the immediate neighborhood of theball;

FIG. 9 illustrates how various distances found from a course map and acoordinate locator system may be displayed;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cell phone with camera that may be used to takepictures of the physical situation of the ball;

FIG. 11 illustrates a screen that may be displayed on a cell phone toassist the user in communicating with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 illustrates a picture of an overhead view of the user's golfball as may be displayed prior to communicating it to the system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a picture of an back view of the user's golf ball asmay be displayed prior to communicating it to the system;

FIG. 14 illustrates a picture of a front view of the user's golf ball asmay be displayed prior to communicating it to the system;

FIG. 15 illustrates a picture of an right side view of the user's golfball as may be displayed prior to communicating it to the system;

FIG. 16 illustrates a picture of an distance view including the user'sgolf ball as may be displayed prior to communicating it to the system;

FIG. 17 illustrates a computer display of the information collected bythe user as described in connection with FIGS. 9-16 as may be viewed bya professional;

FIG. 18 illustrates the personal coaching system of FIG. 1 according toa preferred embodiment of the invention focusing on the databases of thesystem;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating a system set-up process accordingto a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a processaccording to the invention that may be used for consulting with a golfprofessional about a round of golf that has been recorded and stored bythe system;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a processaccording to the invention for providing personal coaching via anelectronic coach while the user is playing golf;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a processaccording to the invention for providing personal coaching via a helpdesk when the user faces a particularly difficult decision while theuser is playing golf;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a processaccording to the invention for providing personal coaching from a golfprofessional while the user is playing golf;

FIG. 24 is another block diagram of system according to the invention,focusing on the fact that the professional computers, communicationnetwork and server provide a call center according to the invention;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a processaccording to the invention for providing personal coaching via a golfcall center system;

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a home screen or a golfinstruction web site or program according to the invention;

FIG. 27 is an exemplary embodiment of a “club house” or home base screenof the golf instruction web site or program according to the invention;

FIG. 28 is an exemplary embodiment of a golf instruction web site orprogram screen that permits the communication of particular golfingphysical situations to the user and permits the entry of actions or playresponsive to the physical situation; and

FIG. 29 is an exemplary embodiment of a web site or program screen thatillustrates the display of the actions of FIG. 28 responsive to aparticular physical situation as they may be entered by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention provides a system and methods for providing personalcoaching to persons playing sports, in real-time while they are engagedin the sport, and/or for practicing the judgmental aspects of golf atother times. As indicated above, one object of the invention is to levelthe playing field between the average player of a sport, such as golf,and the richer players and professionals. The disclosure is written interms of the sport of golf, but it can also be applied to other sports.Another object of the inventor has been to create a system to providecoaching and meaningful practice in the aspects of a sport that requirejudgment and strategy, in contrast to the physical aspects of a sport.For example, the majority of the time spent in the game of golf isdevoted to judgment—choosing the right club, deciding on the shot,stance, ball position, body position, deciding how hard to swing, and soforth—yet, prior to the invention, the only time a golfer was able topractice this aspect is the relatively short time the golfer spendsplaying with a professional, which also was quite expensive. Anotherobject of the inventor has been to provide an easy to use sportprofessional coaching system. In its simplest and most transparentaspect, the invention accomplishes this goal. For example, a golferplaying a round of golf on a golf course, may find herself or himselffacing a shot on which the golfer wishes he or she could consult with aprofessional. The golfer pulls out a cell phone, presses a button, agolf professional answers the phone, and somehow the professional knowsexactly the shot the golfer is facing, and gives appropriate coaching.If the golfer's phone has a camera, the pro might ask the golfer to takea picture of the ball. The golfer does this, and without the golferdoing anything else, the pro knows exactly the lie of the ball and canappropriately adjust the coaching. Or, in an alternative scenario, whenthe golfer needs professional guidance, the golfer pulls out his cellphone with built-in camera, takes a picture of the ball, and in abouttwenty seconds a professional is on the line providing great coachingwithout the golfer doing anything more. In this manner, the averageplayer can consult with knowledgeable person, as easily as aprofessional golfer, or people with more money than others, can consultwith a caddy.

The manner in which the invention makes the above scenarios possible issummarized in FIGS. 24 and 25 below and the discussion associated withthese two figures. However, the invention provides much more than this.Various other embodiments of the invention that will assist the readerin understanding how the scenarios above are made possible by theinvention and which include features that may be used in creating thescenarios, are discussed in connection with FIGS. 1 through 23. A golfinstruction and practice website and/or game program according to theinvention that utilizes some features of the invention is disclosed inFIGS. 26-29.

Since the invention relates to a subject matter that is not in commonuse, i.e., providing coaching regarding the judgmental aspects of asport with an electronic system, there are no commonly used termsavailable for many of the concepts. Thus, in some cases, we have had tocreate such terms. The terms generally should be interpreted in a commonsense manner. For example, when a physical situation is referred to, itmeans a situation that can be described in physical terms thatordinarily occurs in the particular support and involves only conditionsthat actually influence play in the sport. Thus, in respect to golf, itincludes things like the distance from the ball to the green or pin, thegrade between the ball and the green, the green speed, the obstaclesbetween the ball and the green, the conditions of the ground, the lie ofthe ball, the slope along the intended line of flight of the ball, theball position uphill or downhill relative to the golfer, and the windspeed. It does not mean the position of the stars, or whether there is agolf cart moving along the periphery of the course. That is, the termsused in this disclosure should be interpreted narrowly within themeanings usually used in sports or, if a particular sport is referredto, within the meanings usually used in the particular sport inquestion. With respect to the sport of golf, the term “grade to green”means the amount that the elevation of the green differs from theelevation of the ball, “obstacle” means an object between the ball andthe green that could deflect or stop the flight of the ball, groundconditions mean whether the ground on which the ball lies is soft, hard,wet, or dry, lie means the type of terrain on which the ball lies or inthe immediate surroundings of the ball, e.g., fairway, rough, sand, mud,water, gravel, etc., slope means the slant of the terrain in theimmediate surroundings of the ball in the direction along the intendedline of flight of the ball, and ball position, in the context ofphysical situation, means the whether the ball is uphill or downhillfrom the player along the direction perpendicular to the left-to-rightplane of the body of the golfer. The term “action” or “play item”, meanssomething that the player can physically adjust either in his body orclub to change how the ball will fly when hit, such as the club used,the shot type, the angle of the club face, the grip on the club, theplayer's body position, the player's stance, the ball position, theplayer's weight distribution, and the player's swing. In the context of“action” or play item”, the term “club” means wood, iron, wedge orputter and the number of the club etc., “shot type” means, pitch, chip,putt, etc., “club face” means the angle that the face of the clubdeviates from the perpendicular to the line of intended flight of theball, grip means how the club handle is held in the player's hands,“body position” means whether the body of the player from the player'sleft to right is aligned with a plane along the direction of the line offlight or at an angle to the plane, “stance” means whether the feet ofthe player from the player's left to right are aligned with a planealong the direction of the line of flight or at an angle to the plane,and generally the stances available are normal, open or closed, “ballposition” means the position of the ball with respect to the player'sfeet, i.e., the position along a line substantially parallel to theplane of the player's body but through the club head, “weight” means therelative proportion of the player's weight that is on the right or leftfoot, and “swing” means whether the movement of the club is the normalmovement of the club in raising it and striking the ball or is modifiedfrom the normal movement. In this disclosure “professional” means aperson who is sufficiently expert in some aspect of a sport to eitherearn money in some way from the sport or be generally accepted assomeone who is qualified to provide coaching or advice in the sport. Inthis disclosure, real-time has its usual meaning. For example,“real-time” coaching in golf means that the coaching is provided at thetime the player is playing a golf game, as though the coach is standingnext to the person needing the coaching while he or she is playing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a generalized personal coaching system 100according to the invention. System 100 comprises a user communicationand processing system 104, which may be referred to as a client system104, a server system 106, which, in one embodiment, may act as anautomatic electronic coach 106, and a professional system 108 used by anexpert, such as a golf professional. A wireless communication system 110comprising satellites 114, a wireless to wired transceiver 116, or bothconnect the client system 104 to the coach systems 106 and 108,preferably via connector 117 and network 150. As will be seen in detailbelow, client system 104 may be a smart cell phone, a dedicated handheldgolf range finder, a general purpose hand-held computer, a personalcomputer (PC), or other such system, and is preferably portable. Thissystem 104 is used by a player of a sport, such as a golfer, to enterand communicate physical factors relating to his or her play, and toreceive personal coaching. The physical factors may be processed bylocal computer 120, electronic coach server 106, by an expert, such as agolf professional using professional system 108, or a combination of theabove. The personal coaching may originate from a program stored inlocal computer 120, a program in electronic coach server 106, or fromthe expert using professional system 108, or a combination of the above.

Client system 104 preferably includes a computer 120 which preferablycomprises a processor 122, a memory 121 and a display 123. Client system100 also includes audio input 124, audio output 126, manual input 128,such as a keyboard or a touch screen, camera 130, which may be a stillcamera, a video camera or a combination of the two, and a connector 135for connecting external electronics, which connector is preferably a USBconnector but may be any other electronic connector. All of theforegoing communicate with computer 120, preferably via a bus 131.Client system 104, may include a locator and course information system140, which, in some embodiments may be a system such as described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,685,786 issue to Dudley on Nov. 11, 1997, U.S. Pat. No.5,507,485 issued to Fisher on Apr. 16, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,518issued to Bianco et al. on Aug. 1, 1995, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,093issued to Huston et al. on Nov. 15, 1994, or any other similar locatorsystem, with the improvements as discussed herein. Locator and courseinformation system 140 includes a GPS or other position locator 143,also having an electrically connected aerial 141. In some embodiments,locator and course information system 140 may include software and datain memory 121 that enables the user to locate and determine distances toterrain features of the course. However, in other embodiments, thesoftware and data that locate the terrain features and provide thedistances may be located in server system 106 or professional system108, or both. Client system 104 also includes a radio frequency (RF)transceiver 144 having an aerial 145 electrically connected to it.Network 150 is preferably an internet, a LAN, a telephone network, acable network, a combination of such networks, or any other network.

Server system 106 preferably comprises a computer 162 which preferablyincludes a processor 164, memory 163 and input/output devices 165, whichpreferably includes a display, a keyboard, headphones, and otherconventional input and output devices used with servers. Terrain mapper167 is preferably part of computer 162 and includes appropriate databasesoftware stored in memory 163, but is broken out separately as it is animportant aspect of the invention. Computer 162 preferably communicateswith the systems 104 and 108 via and appropriate connection system 166and network 150. There may be a plurality of servers systems connectedto network 150, and another server system is indicated at 109.

Professional system 108 includes a computer 180 comprising a processor184, a memory 182 and a display 186. System 108 also includes audioinput 190, audio output 188, manual input 194 and camera 192, which maybe a still camera, a video camera or a combination of the two.Professional system 108 also preferably includes a modem 196, whichconnects to network 150. Alternatively, it may connect to server system106 via a direct electronic connection 177, which may be a bus, or anyother connection. System 108 is representative of a plurality of otherprofessional systems of identical or similar design that communicatewith server 106 via electronic connections 160. Alternatively,professional system 108 may communicate directly with client system 104,via wireless system 110. Together, Professional systems 108 and servers106, 109 provide a sport call center 105.

FIG. 2 illustrates a client system 104 having a display 123 showing anexemplary screen 201 displaying physical factors 202 that may be enteredmanually or automatically entered via a position locator system, whichpreferably is a GPS assisted locater. This manner of manually orautomatically entering these physical factors using client computer 104is disclosed in the '290 and '572 patent mentioned above, and isincluded herein to illustrate the fact that these physical factors canbe entered in this manner in combination with the other methods andsystems of the invention disclosed herein. In the embodiments of FIGS.2-17, the client system 104 is “smart” cell phone, such as the iPhone,though it may be any other computer system. The information entered inFIG. 2 includes the name 204 of the golf course, the hole and par forthe hole 207, the pin distance 209 which is shown as 70 yards at 210,the distance 212 to the front of the green, which is shown as 42 yardsat 214, the distance 216 to the back of the green, which is shown as 90yards at 217, and the condition 219 of the green, which is shown as fastat 220. As known in the art, these distances may be obtained by thecombination of coordinate or other locator information and a stored mapof the course with the key indicators stored at known locations. Thespeed of the green may be entered by a person at the golf course dailyor as the condition changes, and stored in server 106 for retrieval viawireless.

FIG. 3 illustrates a client computer 104 having a display 123 with anexemplary screen 230 showing of some factors that may be entered by theuser from pull down menus. The grade 232 may be entered by clicking onbox 233 which opens a pull down menu with a variety of options relatedto the grade. These options may be downhill, steep downhill, uphill,steep up hill and other such variations. One of these options may beselected by the user. Similarly, the wind factor 234 may be entered intothe system 100 by clicking on box 236 to activate a pull down menu toselect the wind direction, and on box 239 to select a wind strength.Alternatively the wind strength may be selected by indicating a windspeed, if known. The height of an obstacle may be entered from a pulldown menu by clicking on box 242, while the distance from the ball ofthe obstacle may be entered from a pull down menu by clicking on box244. These menu-entered items are illustrated as examples showing thatmany different processes may be used to enter data into the system 100.

Buttons 250 utilize the picture method according to the invention toenter the data. In this disclosure the term “picture” means a photographof a ball showing the lie of the ball, a drawing that depicts the lie ofthe ball on a golf course, or a photograph or drawing that shows otherinformation concerning the golf ball physical situation or actionsresponding to the physical situation and which assist in providingcoaching or practice of the judgmental aspects of a sport in accordancewith the invention. The picture method of entering data is useful as ittends to be more accurate than drop down menus, and it also addressesdata that does not lend itself to entry via location finding systems.Button 252 accesses a series of pictures from which the lie can beselected. Button 254 provides access to a series of pictures from whichthe slope may be selected. Button 256 accesses a series of pictures fromwhich the ball position relative to the golfer may be selected. FIG. 4illustrates a screen 258 displaying a first layer 260 of pictures thatmay be presented on display 123 to communicate the lie of the ball tothe system 100. Written directions 262 at the bottom of the displaydirect the user to click on the picture that looks most like the lie ofthe user's ball. These directions may also be presented via a soundmessage. Pictures 260 include a picture 264 showing a golf ball lying ona closely cropped fairway, a picture 266 showing a golf ball in therough, picture 268 showing a golf ball in a sand trap, picture 270showing a golf ball partially embedded in a soft surface, picture 272showing a golf ball in water, and picture 274 showing a golf ball on arocky or gravely surface. Other buttons 280, 284, 286 and 288 on screen258 provide additional functions associated with screen 258. Button 280links to the previous screen, button 284 links to a screen that providesadditional pictures that show ball lies that occur less frequently.Button 286 communicates that none of the pictures sufficiently show theball lie and brings up a screen that may be used to exchange informationwith system 100, such as pictures, written messages, or audio messages.Button 288 links to a screen that provides help regarding the functionsand uses of the current screen and/or the system 100, respectively.Heading 281 indicates to the user that possible lies of the ball arebeing displayed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a screen 300 showing a second layer 303 of picturesor drawings that as may be presented on display 123 to assist the userin communicating one aspect of the lie of the ball. This set of pictures303 illustrates pictures that may be displayed if picture 266 in FIG. 4is clicked on. Pictures 303 show various lengths of grass in the rough.Preferably, the second layer of pictures, such as 303, will contain onepicture that is identical to the picture clicked on in the first layer,such as 260. In this case, it is picture 266. This picture that isrepeated in the second layer is preferably located in the same positionas the figure in the first layer. This has several advantages. First, ifthe picture happens to be the picture that best illustrates the lie ofthe user's ball, then all the user has to do is click twice in the sameplace to indicate that this is the picture to communicate to the system100. Secondly, it is physiologically and psychologically less confusingto the user because it appears that the system just replaced thepictures that were not relevant with pictures that were more relevant.However, some users may prefer that the picture that was clicked onappear in the first position, i.e., the picture to the top left, in thesecond layer, and the system allows the user to custom select either ofthese modes. Returning to the pictures 303, in picture 310, the grass isrelatively short, the grass is a little longer in picture 266 so that itessentially covers the ball. In picture 314, the grass is about the samelength as in picture 266, but is denser. In picture 316, the ball isrelatively deep in a rough in which the grass is tall but relativelysparse, and even deeper in a sparse-tall grass rough in picture 318. Inpicture 320, the grass is both tall and dense. While it takes time todescribe in words the differences in the pictures, and patent drawingpractice discourages the use of actual pictures, the point to be madehere is that by showing the user a variety of pictures, the systemallows the user to quickly communicate to the system the lie of theball. Again, the directions 306 under the pictures direct the user toclick on the picture that is most like the lie of the user's ball.

FIG. 6 illustrates a screen 330 showing another second layer 333 ofpictures that may be displayed in response to the user clicking onpicture 270 in FIG. 4, or which may be displayed as a first level layerin some conditions. Pictures 336, 338, 340 and 342 show a ball invarying degrees of being embedded in relatively grass free soil, andpicture 344 and 346 show a ball embedded to varying degrees in sod. Aswill be explained in more detail in connection with FIG. 21, the system100 learns the terrain of golf courses. As an example, the pictures ofFIG. 6 may represent a selection of pictures selected previously byusers at the same or approximately the same location on this specificcourse, Happy Meadows. Since the system knows the course, it simplifiesand accelerates the choice of the user by presenting ball lies that haveoccurred previously at that location. Again, while the inventionpreferably presents actual photographs of the lie of a golf ball, inmany cases a drawing may more clearly assist the user in designating thelie of the ball. The patent application drawing is not intended toaccurately depict a picture of an actual lie of the ball on a course,but rather is intended, under the limitations of drawings for patentapplications, to illustrate a variety of pictures 333 that may bepresented to the user allowing the user to quickly instruct the system100 on the lie of the ball. In pictures 333, the picture that is thesame as the picture clicked on in FIG. 4, is displayed as the firstpicture in the series of pictures 333. Some users will prefer thisformat, because they find it natural to start examining a series ofpictures at the top left corner as one does when turning to a new pagewhile reading a book.

FIG. 7 illustrates pictures 350 that may be displayed in response to auser clicking on the “Slope” button 254 of FIG. 3, which is indicated bythe screen heading 352. “Slope” is the term that the invention uses todesignate the slope of the terrain in the direction toward the green,though any other understandable designation may be used. In eachpicture, the line of flight (LOF) of the ball, which is the direction tothe green, is indicated by an arrow, such as 358. Other designations,such as DTG (direction to green) may be used also. Pictures 354, 358 and360 illustrate the ball lying on terrain with varying degrees ofdownhill slope toward the green, and pictures 364, 366 and 368illustrate the ball lying on terrain with varying degrees of uphillslope toward the green, i.e., along the line of intended flight of theball. Directions 370 tell the user to click on the picture that looksmost like the slope of the terrain along the line of flight, thoughother wording may be used. As in the above examples, clicking on one ofthe pictures may link to another layer. However, in communicating slope,it usually is not necessary to achieve a finer level of distinction inthan can be presented on one screen. The system 100 allows the user toselect the desirable level of distinction, i.e., the number of layers ofpictures to be presented.

FIG. 8 illustrates pictures 375 that may be displayed in response to auser clicking on the “Ball Position” button of FIG. 3, which isindicated by the heading 381. “Ball Position” with respect to the ballphysical situation is the term the invention uses to designate theposition of the ball uphill or down hill from the position of the golferalong a line perpendicular to the plane of the golfer's body, the planebeing the plane from left to right of the golfer's body. This “ballposition” is sometimes referred to in golf instruction manuals as theposition in relation to the stance of the golfer. Other terms may alsobe use to indicate this relationship. The pictures 375 are shown for aright-handed golfer. By clicking on button 380, pictures appropriate fora left-handed golfer may be shown. When the left-handed pictures areshown, the button 380 changes to “To Right Handed” and takes you back tothe right-handed pictures. Whether left-handed or right-handed is thedefault, may be selected n the personal data or preferences screen, asdiscussed in connection with FIG. 19. Pictures 382, 384 and 386illustrate the ball lying on terrain in which the ball is below thelevel of the stance of the golfer, and pictures 388, 390 and 392illustrate the ball lying in terrain in which the ball is above thelevel of the stance of the golfer. Directions 396 tell the user how tocommunicate the ball position to the system. As in the above examples,clicking on one of the pictures may link to another layer. However, incommunicating ball position, it usually is not necessary to achieve afiner level of distinction in than can be presented on one screen, and,as mentioned above, the level of distinction, i.e., the number of layersor pictures to be presented, can be selected by the user in setting upthe system 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates a client system 104 with a display 123 showing arangefinder screen 400 that displays various distances on the golfcourse. As known in the art, these distances are found using a coursemap and a locator system 140. The course map is preferably downloadedfrom server 162 and stored in memory 121, though it may be located ineither server 106 or professional computer 108. There are many systemsthat provide such coarse maps and GPS locating systems, which aregenerally called golf rangefinders. The display 123 is a typical displayfrom the Sonocaddie™ range finder available from Sonostar, Inc. Someother examples of range finders are the SkyCaddie® available fromSkyhawke Technologies, Inc., the GPS Caddie IP, available from iGolf,and the Golf Guru™ available from GolfGuru, Inc. The invention may beintegrated with any of these systems as explained below. A typical golfrangefinder system 401 includes software that the client system 104. orserver 106 or professional computer 108, uses to generate and display adepiction 400 of the hole that is being played, preferably showing anoverhead view. The hole depiction 400 shows the rangefinder location 402and the relative locations of important terrain features of the holeincluding the rough 404, the fairway 406, the green 408, and hazardssuch as a water hazard 410, a sand trap 414, a tree 416 and anout-of-bounds boundary 418. Distances 419 from the rangefinder locationto each of the terrain features 417 are displayed. These show that thedistance 420 to the back of the green is 590 yards, the distance 422 tothe front of the green is 550 yards, the distance 424 to a criticalpoint of the water hazard 410, i.e., the far point of the water hazardalong the fairway, is 533 yards, the distance 426 to the leading edge ofthe out-of-bounds marker 418 is 487 yards, the distance 430 to anothercritical point of the water hazard 410, i.e., an intermediate point ofthe water hazard along the fairway, is 402 yards, the distance 432 totree 416 is 315 yards, the distance 434 to bunker 414 is 275 yards, andthe distance 436 to a near point of water hazard 410 is 250 yards. Theposition coordinates, i.e., the latitude 440, the longitude 442, and thealtitude 446 for the current ball position 402 are also preferably shownand preferably recorded and associated with hole depiction 400. Furtherthe date 447 and time 448 may be shown and are preferably also recorded.

FIG. 10 illustrates a client computer 104 with camera 130 (FIG. 1) thatmay be used to take pictures of the ball position. In this embodiment,the client computer 104 is a cell phone cell phone 450 and the cameralens 454 is on the back of the cell phone. This embodiment of a camerais, of course, conventional. However, the combination of the camera withother portions of the invention to create an improved on-the-spot,real-time sports personal coaching system is new. As known in the art,the computer 104 and the camera 130 can take on many forms.

FIG. 11 illustrates a screen 460 that may be displayed on display 123 ofa cell phone or other client computer 104 to assist the user incommunicating with the system server 106 or professional computer system108. Screen 460 is preferably used to select the view of the ball thatis about to be communicated using a picture. The screen 460 includes aheader 462 to indicate to the user the screen that is being used. Screen460 preferably displays a plurality of buttons 463 that indicate variouspossible viewing positions, including overhead view 464, a left sideview 466, a right side view 468, a front view 470, a back view 472 and adistance view 474. Here “green” indicates it is a view of the balltoward the green with the green in the distance. Other views may beindicated by clicking on “more” 478 or the user may return to theprevious screen by clicking on “back”.

FIG. 12 illustrates a client computer system 104 with the screen 480displaying a picture 484 of an overhead view of the user's golf ball 488as may be seen by the camera 454 and transmitted to the server 106and/or professional computer system 108. Again, we do not show an actualpicture but an illustration of a picture because of the requirements forpatent drawings. Screen 480 includes a label 486 indicating that thepicture is an overhead view.

FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 16 illustrate a client computer system 104 withthe screens 492, 496, 500 and 508 displaying pictures 491, 497, 502, and510 of a back view, front view, right side view and distance view,respectively, of the user's golf ball 488, as may bee seen by a camera454 and transmitted to the server 106 and/or professional computersystem 108. Each screen 492, 496, 500 and 508 includes a label 493, 498,504 and 512, respectively, indicating the view in the picture. Thedistance view may show the green, 520, flag 521, a hazard such as a tree526 and other features 530 that may be seen by the user, although thepicture 510, together with the information on screen 400 (FIG. 9) can beuseful even if particular features are not distinct. The particularpictures and views shown in FIGS. 12-16 are not intended to be limitingbut merely illustrative of pictures and views that may be taken andcommunicated. Preferably, whenever any pictures, such as those in FIGS.12-16, are transmitted to the server 106 and/or a professional computersystem 108, the position coordinates where the picture was taken arealso transmitted. Preferably, the position coordinates areelectronically attached to the electronic copy of the picture and gowherever the electronic copy of the picture goes.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary screen 540 on a display 186 ofprofessional computer 108 illustrating how the information collected bythe user as described in connection with FIGS. 9 and 12-16 andinformation available on the server 106 or professional computer 108 maybe viewed by a golf professional. Screen 540 shows hole depiction 400,with terrain features 417 and distances 419, and the pictures 484, 497,and 502. Hole depiction 400 can be uploaded from client system 104,though preferably, only the position coordinates are sent from theclient system 104 and the hole depiction is created at the professionalscreen using these coordinates and the course mapping information thatis available on the system server 106 and/or professional computer 108.Preferably, distance pictures, such as 550 taken from many places on thecourse, together with the position coordinates 560, 562 of the pictures,are also available on the server 106 or professional computer 108. Ithas been found that only a dozen pictures per hole are necessary toprovide coverage of 90% of the physical situations that occur. Ofcourse, the more pictures that are available on the server, the less itis necessary for a distance picture to be taken and transmitted by theuser. Preferably, one or more close-pictures, such as 484, 497 and 502,which have been provided by the user, are transmitted from the clientcomputer 104. However, close up pictures that have been uploaded at ornear the present ball position may also be available on server 106and/or professional computer 108. The bottom center portion 554 ofscreen 540 shows other relevant information, such as the player name556, the player's handicap 557, the course name 558, the hole and par559, the altitude 446, the latitude 440 and the longitude 442. Name 556is a button that links to detailed player information, such as shown inFIG. 2 of the '290 patent, which may be obtained from the playerdatabase 644 (FIG. 18) or uploaded from client computer 104. Thealtitude 446, latitude 440, and longitude 442 are for the current balllocation. If a picture, such as 497, is for the current ball location,it does not need to include the position coordinates. However, picturesfrom the course database 630 (FIG. 18), such as picture 550, include theposition coordinates 560 and 562. By comparing position coordinates 440and 442 with the coordinates 560 and 562, the professional can determinehow close to current ball position the pictures from the course databasewere taken. If the position coordinates 560 and 562 are clicked on, theposition coordinates are replaced by the date 447 and time 448 thepicture was taken. This information is useful in case the course terrainhas been changed since the picture was taken. Based on the positioncoordinates and the course information stored database 630 (FIG. 18),including course maps, data such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, andpictures, a golf professional can quickly analyze the physical situationand provide coaching to the user. A picture or pictures selected by theuser, such as those shown in FIGS. 4-8, may provide other usefulinformation. Button 566 brings up other screens which the professionalmay use to obtain more data and control the system as required.

FIG. 18 shows a personal coaching system 100 according to a preferredembodiment of the invention illustrating some different features thanFIG. 1, in particular the databases associated with system 100. System100 as shown in FIG. 18 includes client computers 104A, 104B and 104C.Client computer 104A is a laptop personal computer, client computer 104Bis a cell phone, and client computer 104C is a notebook computer. Theinvention contemplates that a user could also use a computer mounted ona golf cart, a standard, non-portable PC, MAC or other computer. Eachcomputer 104A, 104B and 104C includes a display, 123A, 123B and 123C,respectively, as well as the other features of a computer. Computer 104Cis connected to a range finder system 620 via a cable 622, such as a USBcable, plugged into connector 135 (FIG. 1). Computers 104A, 104B and104C are connected to communications network 150 via communicationslinks 601, 604, and 606, respectively. The dotted line 603 indicatesthat many more client computers 104 may be connected to network 150.System 100 also includes professional computer systems 108A, 108B and108C which are connected to network 150 via communication links 610,612, and 614, respectively. Dotted line 607 indicates that many moreprofessional computer systems 108 may be connected to network 150.Server computer system 106 is connected to communications network 150via communications link 626. Server computer system 106 preferablyincludes at least four databases: a course database 630 that stores datarelating to holes, terrain and other information for a plurality ofdifferent golf courses, which data includes pictures; professionaldatabase 640 which stores data related to the professionals providingcoaching via the system 100, player database 644 which stores datarelated to the users of system 100, and golf coach database 650 whichstores preferred actions to take in response to physical factors, whichpreferably include prerecorded standard descriptions of actions. Thesedatabases may be included in the same database system. As indicatedabove, a plurality of server computers may be connected to network 150,and another server similar or identical to server 106 is indicated at109 and connected to network 150 via communications link 627. Together,server computers 106, 109 and professional computers 108, 607 provide agolf call center 105.

FIGS. 19-23 and 25 are flow charts illustrating various processesaccording to the invention that utilize the apparatus of FIGS. 1-18 and24. It should be understood that these processes are exemplary ratherthan limiting to the invention. That is, they are presented toillustrate the capabilities of the system 100. Once these examples areunderstood, those skilled in the art will be able to create manyvariations and other examples of the processes according to theinvention.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating a system set-up process 660according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The process 660starts at 661 with connection of a client computer 104 to the system100. At 665, the communication device, e.g., client computer 104A, 104Bor 104C, and the user are registered on the system, preferably byentering a user name and password and placing a cookie on the clientcomputer. Personal and set-up screens, such as shown in FIG. 2 of U.S.Pat. No. 6,931,290, are provided to the user at 668. The user may selecta preferred professional and alternates as part of this set up. When theuser has filled in the information on the personal and set-up screens,it is uploaded to the player database 644. As known in the rangefinderart, the user can purchase and download course data for specific golfcourses in the set-up process. At 672 the user takes a picture or videothat is uploaded to the system 100 and then sent back to the clientcomputer display to calibrate and test the picture communication systemand make sure the user is familiar with the system so it can be usedquickly when needed. If the user has registered to use a golfprofessional, the picture is also sent to the display 165 of servercomputer and/or to the display 186 of one of professional computers 108to make sure that part of the system 100 is functional. At 674, coursedata is downloaded to the client computer memory 121 if that has notalready been done in the set-up process 668. The GPS or other locatorsubsystem 143 is initiated at 678, and when this system is locked on,the starting hole is entered, or, in systems which automatically detectthe hole via GPS or other locator, the starting hole is confirmed. Playis then initiated at 688. Any of the processes 665, 668, 670, 672, and674 may be performed well prior to beginning of play or just prior to around of golf.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a process700 according to the invention that may be used for consulting with agolf professional about a round of golf that has been recorded andstored by the system 100. The process 700 is started at 702, which mayinclude some or all of the subprocesses in process 660. The round ofgolf is played and the game data including data entered as discussed inFIGS. 2-16, including pictures of lies or other relevant pictures arestored at 706. This recording can conveniently be performedsimultaneously with normal use of range finder systems know in the art.For example, a range finder such as 620 (FIG. 18), or a cell phone 1048with a rangefinder application, normally locates the position on thecourse of the ball before each shot. If it is a second or third shot,this step also locates where the last shot landed. If a picture is alsotaken of the lie before each shot, and the position and picture arerecorded, then the system has stored all the information required tocompletely describe the round played. We shall refer to this herein asthe “round data”. The storage of the round data can be performedautomatically each time the player indicates that the ball has beenlocated, and the picture can be stored with the location information assoon as it is taken. The round data can be stored in memory 121 of theclient computer and uploaded to the player database 644 at thecompletion of the round, or uploaded automatically as soon as it isrecorded. For a system that does not have full telecommunicationinstrumentation, such as a conventional rangefinder 620, the round datacan be uploaded by connecting the range finder 620 to a computer, suchas 104C in FIG. 18, that does have telecommunication capability, anduploaded via the computer. Either before or after the uploading, theuser may select a professional at 714, or the professional may beselected by the system call center system 105, and communicationinitiated with the professional at 718. At 720, the personal data of thespecific user is downloaded to the selected professional computer system108, if the professional does not already have it. The round data orother game data, such as data recorded on a driving or putting range, orother practice area, are downloaded to the selected professional at 724,and preferably displayed as shown in FIG. 17. The user and the procommunicate regarding the round or other game data at 728 and theprofessional provides coaching. The coaching session ends at 730, atwhich time the coaching provided may be uploaded to the player database644.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are flow charts illustrating a preferred embodiment ofprocesses 740 and 800 according to the invention for providing personalcoaching while the user is playing golf. FIG. 21 illustrates preliminaryprocesses and a process that provides coaching via the golf coachingdatabase 650, while FIG. 22 shows a process 800 for providing coachingvia a golf professional. Turning to FIG. 21, play is initiated at 742,preferably with process steps as discussed above, including downloadingthe course data. At 744, GPS or other locator system data is acquiredand entered for the position of the ball. This data is preferablyentered in the client computer memory 121, server memory 163, and/orprofessional computer memory 182. As discussed above, much, if not all,information necessary for providing coaching may be available at theserver 106 and golf professional computer 108 simply by their having thelocation coordinates of the ball. The course data, such as 417, isretrieved from memory 121 or other source and displayed at 746. Then, at748 the distance data, such as 419 is displayed. The client computer 104then prods the user to enter or confirm the variable data, such as datashown in FIG. 3. The data shown in FIG. 2 is preferably automaticallyentered in process 746, but may also need to be entered or confirmed.The variable data is received by the system and displayed in process752. If the user clicks on one of buttons 250 (FIG. 3), this input isreceived and the corresponding high level pictures, such as 260, 350, or375 (FIG. 4, 7 or 8), are displayed. If the user has clicked on the liebutton 252 and one of the pictures 260 most like the lie, the input isreceived by the client computer 104 and the requested second level liepictures, such as 303 or 333 (FIG. 5 or 6) are displayed in process 756.After the user selects the lie picture most like the current ballposition, this input is received and the lie is displayed in process760. If the user clicks on the button 254, this input is received byclient computer 104 and the slope pictures, such as 350 are displayed inprocess 762. When the user clicks on one of the pictures 350, this inputis received by client computer 104 and the slope is displayed at 764. Ifthe user clicks on physical situation ball position 256, the ballposition pictures, such as 375, are displayed and in process 766. Whenthe user clicks on one of pictures 375, this input is received bycomputer 104 and the ball position is displayed in process 768. Theentered terrain information, such as the condition of the rough orslope, is uploaded to the terrain mapper 167 in process 770 along withthe position coordinates, then is analyzed, and entered into the terrainmap in the course database 630. At 774, all the physical factorsrelating to the current position of the ball are preferably uploaded tothe server 106 and the golf coach database 650 is utilized to determinethe recommended actions. All or part of his process may also take placein client computer 104, if the memory of the client computer is bigenough. At 776, the recommended actions and comments are displayed onthe display 123 of the client computer.

At 778, the user can either accept the recommendations, or indicate thathe or she has a question or otherwise indicate that he or she would likefurther coaching from a golf professional. If there is no question orrequest for interaction with a golf professional, the process 740 flowsthrough 780 to process 782 where the user may enter one or more detailsof the user's actions, which are then stored in the player database 644or stored in memory 121 and later uploaded to database 644. The user mayalso chose to enter the result of the actions, i.e., the result of theshot, which is then received and stored, preferably in player database644 either directly or via memory 122, in process 784. At 786, the holeis advanced, either manually or automatically as known in the art ofrange finders, and the process 740 returns to initiate play 742 ordirectly to one of the processes 744, 746 or 750. Preferably, enteringthe result at 784 automatically enters the ball position for the nextshot, and so 744 and 748 may be done automatically, and the system cango to process 750.

If the user indicates that he or she has a question or requests helpfrom a golf professional, the call center system 105 proceeds to process800 in FIG. 22 via 788. The process 800 first uploads the user ID andchecks at 808 to see if the user is registered for the help desk. If theuser is not registered, the system proceeds via 809 to process 830 whereand invitation to register for the help desk is displayed. Thisinvitation can include links to description of what the help deskprovides and how it can assist the user to learn golf. If the invitationis not accepted, the system proceeds to process 838 at which the actionsadvised are stored and, when the next position is entered, the systemreturns to process 784, the result is recorded in the player database644 and process 740 continues as in FIG. 21. If the invitation toregister for the help desk is accepted, the user is registered, or ifthe user is already registered at step 802, the system proceeds toprocess 812. At process 812, all of the data on the prospective shot isuploaded to the call center 105 help desk, and the user is connected viaphone to the professional at the help desk. If the user has a cell phonecamera or other camera that can transmit via network 150, the user maybe requested to take a picture or pictures of the position of the ballas described in reference to FIGS. 11-16 and these are uploaded to oneof the professional golfer computers 108A-108C that is associated withhelp desk, preferably via server computer 106. If the professionalgolfer needs additional information, such as additional pictures, thisinformation is requested at 816 and at 820 the user provides therequested pictures or other information. At 824, the help deskprofessional provides help, at 826 the help provided is entered by theprofessional into the user's record in the player database, the usertakes his or her shot and when the next position of the ball isrecorded, the actions taken and the result is received and stored in theplayer database 644 and the process 740 continues as in FIG. 21 untilthe game is completed.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating a one preferred embodiment of aprocess 900 according to the invention for using the system of theinvention for obtaining personal coaching from a golf professional whilethe user is playing golf. At 902 play is initiated as discussed above.Communications with the call center 105 and the professional computer108 selected by the user or call center may be opened at 906, or thisstep may be delayed until the user needs assistance. At 910, the storedcourse data for the hole is displayed. Some of this data may be enteredusing pull down menus or by selecting pictures as discussed inconnection with FIGS. 2-8. Or, it may be retrieved from server 106 ordirectly from memory 121. The GPS or other locator data is retrieved andentered at 914. The GPS or other locator data may be uploaded at once tothe server 106 and/or professional computer immediately, though in thisembodiment, it is preferably uploaded later. At 918, the distance data419 (FIG. 9) is calculated, entered, and displayed. In some embodimentsin which the locator data has already been uploaded, the calculating maybe done at the server or professional computer and downloaded to theclient computer 104, particularly if this is faster. At 924, pictures asdiscussed in relation to FIGS. 12-16 are entered, with labels, such asthose indicated by buttons 463 (FIG. 11) identifying the pictures. At928, the data is uploaded to the professional computer, and at 930 thedata is displayed at 930. The professional analyzes the data at 934, andusually will also consider the users paying and coaching history in theplayer database at 938 before, during and/or after reviewing the data.The professional may request additional information at 940, and, if so,the process 900 proceeds via 942 to 946 where the user provides theadditional information, then proceeds to 948 where the professionalreviews the additional information, then to 950 where the professionalprovides coaching. If the initial data and the player's information issufficient, the process 900 proceeds directly from 938 to 950. At 954,the user executes the shot, and preferably, a picture, preferably avideo, is taken of the shot. At 960, the GPS data of the next ballposition and any other data relating to the shot are recorded, and thepicture, such as a video, and the results data is uploaded to the playerdatabase and the professional computer 108 at 964. At 968, theprofessional reviews that picture, such as a video, and the results dataand then, at 970, the professional provides additional coaching. At 972,the professional enters the coaching data and any comments into theplayer database. At 973, if there are other holes to play, the systemproceeds via 975 to the next hole and goes to process 910. If this wasthe last hole, the system proceeds via 974 to process 978 where theplayer is debriefed, that is, has an opportunity to enter comments aboutthe coaching and/or the round, either via menus or via a discussion witha follow-up call center person, which follow-up information ispreferably entered in the player database 644, the professional database640, or both, and the golf round ends.

FIG. 24 is another block diagram of system 100, focusing on the factthat the professional computers 108, communication network 150 andserver 106 provide a call center 105 according to the invention. Clientcomputers 105 connect to call center 105 via communication links 600 andcommunications network 150 as discussed in connection with FIGS. 1 and18. Professional computers 108 connect to call center computer 106 vialinks 160 and network 150 as discussed in relation to FIGS. 1 and 18.Call center server 106 connects to network 150 via communication link166. Call center server 106 comprises processor 164, display 104,keyboard 1010, VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) system 1012, callrouter software 1015, chat room software 1020, audio input and output1038, which preferably is a headphone set with microphone, call centermanager software 1025, email router software 1030, phone bridge 1036,content manager software 1034, and golf coaching and instruction library1035. Preferably, the email routing system is IMC, and the VOIP routeris CSUI. Preferably, the professional computers 108 all have a standardoperating environment, comprising a desktop PC, call center software andVoIP phone and headset. The professional may specialize in particularaspects of the sport, such as putting, the short game, sand hazards,pitching or chipping. Every call is followed with a satisfaction survey.Every system generates reports that are reviewed by mangers to the endof improving customer satisfaction and productivity and lowering costs.

Preferably, golf professionals notify the call center server when theyare checked into the system and ready to accept a call, and again notifythe server when they check out. In this manner, the call center serverknows which professionals are available and does not use valuable timein determining this after a call is received.

When a player calls the call center 105, the player identification andthe location data is uploaded to the server. The server application 1025matches the player to a golf pro. More specifically it determines whichgolf pros are currently available and whether there is an availableprofessional who is not currently on a call who the player has workedwith previously and who the player has rated highly. Buildingrelationships between users and specific golf pros helps build thebusiness and drive customer satisfaction.

The golf pro application preferably initiates with an email and/or textmessage which alert the golf pro that the player is ready for a consult,and the message body links to a web page from the player database 644containing the user's info, i.e. profile information, profile data, andcall history, as well as the mapped location identifying course andhole. The golf pro follows the link, looks over the player info andpresses a button to initiate the call so he or she can begin speaking ontheir headset. This can be done either from their desk or their mobilephone and ideally should take just seconds to review. While aprofessional computer is being selected and contact initiated, thecourse information is retrieved. The course information is transmittedto the professional computer as soon as connection is made to theprofessional computer. Alternatively, the course information is alreadyin the professional computer, the location information is transmitted tothe professional computer as soon as connection is made and an overheadview of the hole with the distance information 419 is generated from thecourse information and the location coordinates. Other data in theclient computer 104 that is relevant to the present physical situation,such as pictures, which may be photos, or, if the call is after a roundof golf, the data for the entire round, is uploaded to the server, whilethe professional is reviewing the player data and the distance data.

At this point, the pro and the player are connected over the phonebridge 1036 and talk over the situation. If additional pictures or otherdata generated at the client computer 104 can be helpful, that may beuploaded to the professional. The pro coaches the player through theshot, and leaves them happy. The golf pro can conference another golfpro or their manager during any part of the call. Once the golf pro orthe player terminates the call, the golf pro becomes available for thenext call, though the invention contemplates that particularly skilledprofessionals may be able to handle a plurality of calls at the sametime.

Following a certain amount of time after the call, perhaps two hours,without any calls, the user receives a message with a link to asatisfaction survey. This survey joins the survey results to the user'sprofile and the golf pro's profile for reporting purposes.

The calls are routed through a telephony bridge 1036 which can routecalls. For example, when the golf pro gets an email or text message, thegolf pro calls the bridge, the bridge routes the player to the golf proand/or vice versa, and also records every interaction for the managerapplication 1025. The manager application also knows when the calls haveended indicating that the golf pro is available for additional coaching.The manager software includes a subroutine for dropped calls so theplayer and pro can reconnect quickly if the end of the call was notintentional. Preferably, the golf pro indicates the end of the call witha DTMF (Dual-tone Multi-frequency) key sequence recognized by the bridgeto indicate to the telephony bridge that the call is over.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the player may call the callcenter prior to the golf game and preset a connection to a golfprofessional, preferably a professional with whom the player has aprevious relationship. The connection can be placed in an inactivestate, but can immediately be reopened when the player wants coaching.In this alternative, it does not matter whether or not the golfprofessional is on another call. Experienced golf professionals canhandle several calls at once, and smoothly transition from one call tothe next. Golf players usually like to have assistance quickly so thatthey do not retard play, so they appreciate a fast response. Inaddition, to speed up the response process, much of the response to theplayer can be canned, or prerecorded. That is, once an experiencedprofessional determines what the club and shot should be and informs theplayer, the standard information as to most of the other action items,such as club face, grip, body position, stance, ball position, weight,and swing often follow. These can be downloaded to the player's portablecomputer, e.g., smart cell phone. If some of these must be variedbecause the player is on a slope or the shot involves other physicalconditions that require modification of one or more of actions, anexperienced professional can click on adjustment buttons on his screenthat provide prerecorded variations to the standard response.

The manager application is a web page with a series of sub-pages whichshow all active golf pros, a complete call history with historicalsummary reporting, a list of golf pros currently available and currentlyconsulting with players, and links to recordings of each historicalcall. The manager has weekly, monthly and annual management meetingswhich may require summary reporting. The manager application preferablyincludes a dispatcher function which enables it to route incomingplayers to specific golf pros. Preferably, it also provides summaryreporting for surveys.

Preferably, the phone bridge software is one of the applicationsdescribed at the following web sites: http://www.asterisk.org,http://gizmo5.com/pc, and http://www.skype.com,http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/callphones. SKYPE based call centersoftware can be found at: http://www.prettymay.net. SKYPE-specific phonehardware can be found athttp://www.amperordirect.com/c/c-amperorvoip/index.html. Reliable VoIPphones are available from Cisco Systems, Inc., 170 West Tasmar Dr., SanJose, Calif. 95134. Any cell phone with a web browser is sufficient forthe player application. Any cell phone with a good web browser and aBluetooth headset may be used for the golf pro application. Arrangementscan be made with cell telephone providers for lower bulk rates.Alternatively, with many cell phone communication providers, the usercan designate multiple telephone numbers as phone numbers for which nocharge is made, for example “My Faves™” with T-Mobile and “Friends &Family™” with Verizon Wireless. If the call center number, oralternatively, the professional telephone number, is selected as one ofthese numbers, the calls to the call center and professional computercan be made at no charge.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred embodiment of a process1400 according to the invention for providing personal coaching via agolf call center system 105. The process starts at 1404 and a setupsubprocess may be performed at 1406, for example as discussed inconnection with FIG. 19. This setup process may include placing theclient computer 104 in a mode in which taking a picture is an indicationthat professional assistance is required, by placing an initial call tothe call center to inform the call center that the player is active andwill want coaching from a professional, and preferably a particularprofessional, and other subprocesses. A coaching request is received at1408. The coaching request may be initiated at client computer 104 byentering the phone number of the call center or a professional, bytaking a picture which, by prior setup is an indication thatprofessional help is needed, or any other suitable input to clientcomputer 104. At 1410, the client computer connects to server computer106. At 1414, the client computer transmits the player identification(ID) and the current location of the client computer. The player ID isused by server 106 to query the player database 644 and get the playerdata and the data is uploaded to the call center server computer 106 at1420. At 1424, the system uses the location data to get the courseinformation, which preferably includes the map of the hole, one or morepictures of the hole taken near the location, and other data such as thespeed of the green, wind speed, course conditions and overhead satelliteview of the hole, such as is available on Google™. At 1426, the hole mapand location are used to calculate the distances 419. In the preferredembodiment, the coaching request at 1408 also initiates a process 1430which processes in parallel with subprocesses 1410, 1414, 1420, 1424 and1426. Process 1430 includes the display of instructions on clientcomputer display 123 requesting the user to take a picture of thecurrent position of the golf ball. When the user complies and takes apicture, the picture is uploaded to the server 106 at 1436. The process1400 proceeds to subprocess 1440 where the system displays a rangefindertype overhead view such as 400, and any other pictures and informationavailable to the system, including any pictures taken by the player. Ifthe player information or set up information includes a preference for aparticular professional, the decision tree 1450 goes to 1456 to alertthe particular professional. If there is no preferred professional, theserver 106 selects the professional based on the player history, theparticular course and other available data. If the player prefers aparticular professional, the professional may be alerted immediatelyafter the player information is obtained as shown by the dotted line1422. Further, in one embodiment, the professional may be designated atset up 1406 and the player may immediately connect to the professionalat or near the start of the round and remain connected throughout theround. If the selected professional is not available or otherwise doesnot accept the assignment at 1458, the system returns to 1452 an anotherprofessional is selected either by the system or the user. At 1460, allthe available data regarding the shot to be made is transmitted to theprofessional and displayed on the professional computer, such as shownin FIG. 17. At 1464, the player and professional are connected,preferably via telephone and internet, though this can also be by eitherone, or by some other preferably direct communication method. Thissubprocess 1464, like other subprocess in this process 1400, may beperformed earlier. When the player and professional are connected, theycommunicate to discuss the situation. The professional should determineimmediately that the player is the one indicated in the playerinformation and should make sure at the outset that all the pictures andother information is accurate, or whether changes should be made. If theprofessional needs different or additional information, as indicated at1468, the professional and/or the player make the appropriate inputs andprovide the additional information at 1470. When the adjustments havebeen made and additional information is provided, or if no adjustmentsor information is needed, the process 1400 proceeds to 1474 where thecoaching is provided by the professional. The player then makes theshot, and, when the next location of the ball is entered, the positionand other result, such as a hook or a slice, are recorded at 1476, andthe course and player databases are preferably updated at 1478. At 1480,the call center 105 makes an appropriate follow-up communication withthe player, and the information acquired by the follow-up are enteredinto the player and professional databases 644 and 640, respectively.The process 1400 ends at 1488.

FIGS. 26-29 relate to a further aspect of the invention, i.e., a website or software application on which users may practice the judgmentalaspects of golf or get coaching in the judgmental aspects of golf. Thatis, this embodiment may be either accessible by a web site, or it may besold on a CD, or downloaded to a computer memory and be a self-containedgame. FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a home screen 1100of a golf instruction web site or game according to the invention.

Screen 1100 is displayed on the display 123 of a client computer 104(FIGS. 1 and 18). Preferably, client computer is a PC or Macintoshcomputer, though it may be a lap top, smart cell phone or any othercomputer. Home screen 1100 includes a login button 1104, a settingsbutton 1106, and a logout button 1110, the functions of which are knownin the art. A welcome greeting 1115 announces the game. A “How It Works”button links to an explanation of the web site or game, which ispreferably interactive. Button 1125 links to a trial game to introducethe user to the benefits of the system. Button 1130 allows the user toregister and pay for the service. Buttons 1134 and 136 link toassistance if the user has forgot his or her username or password,respectively, which assistance is known in the art. Button 1140 providesa convenient link to adjust the sound on the computer, and button 1144links to help with the program or web site.

FIG. 27 is an exemplary embodiment of a “club house” or home base screen1150 of the golf instruction web site or software application accordingto the invention. Screen 1150 is displayed on the display 123 of clientcomputer 104. This screen displays on connection to the site if the userhas registered for the service. The screen 1150 includes a welcomemessage 1154 addressed to the registered user and an identificationmessage 1158 for the screen. Button 1160 accesses a personal data screenas discussed above. Playing History button 1164 links to a history ofthe registered user in previous uses of the system. Course select button1168 allows the user to select the course on which the game will takeplace, and button 1170 allows the user to select the hole on which thegame is played. Once the course and hole are selected, the name of thecourse and number of the hole, respectively appear in place of theselect buttons. Clicking on button 1172 brings up a screen (not shown)on which the user can chose the type of shot he or she wants topractice, e.g., short iron, pitch, chip, etc., or select a random shottype as selected by the system. If the user selects a specific type ofshot, the user can choose to practice generally in the category and thesystem will present physical situations that will permit practice ofthat category of shot. Alternatively, the user can elect to open screenssimilar to those shown in FIGS. 3-8 and customize a practice physicalsituation. When the type of shot is selected, the shot type is displayedat 1174, while if a custom golf ball physical situation is selected, theword “Custom” appears at 1174. In either case, the word “Random” in box1176 is faded to a light gray. If a random selection of shot types isselected the word “Random” is bolded in box 1176 and the word “type” inbox 1174 is faded. Button 1178 links the user to the physical situationthat is presented. This brings up pictures such as shown in FIGS. 4-16which show the physical situation the user has to solve. Preferably, ifthe user's screen is large enough, multiple pictures are shown on thescreen, such as shown in FIG. 17. Button 1184 allows the user to choosehis or own solution to the physical situation, i.e., the shot that theuser will play. Here, the term “shot” includes all the action items thatdefine the response the user will make. This will be described in moredetail below. Button 1186 links to an expert's, e.g., a golfprofessional's, solution to the physical situation, that is, the shotthe professional would take, which will also be discussed in more detailbelow. Button 1184 links to a screen that shows both the physicalsituation, such as screen 1200 of FIG. 28 below. Button 1188 connects toa link that evaluates the player's responses, and a score representativeof the user's responses is shown in box 1189. Button 1190 opens a linkto a more detailed critique of the player's responses. Box 1194 labelsthe current physical situation that is being played, the course and thehole. Numbering each situation allows the user to more easily keep trackof which examples he or she has played. If a custom golf ball physicalsituation is being played, then the word “Custom” replaces the “Play 16”designation.

FIG. 28 is an exemplary embodiment of a golf instruction web site screen1200 that permits the communication of particular golfing physicalsituations 1218 to the user and permits the entry of actions or playitems 1219 responsive to the physical situation. That is, this is thesplit screen to which button 1180 of FIG. 27 links. We shall describethe presentation of the physical situation and the input of the responseto the physical situation in connection with this screen. However, ifthe computer is a cell phone, a laptop, a net book or other computerwith a smaller screen, the individual physical factors 1218 and actionresponses 1219 will be shown in groups or lists that can be scrolledthrough or otherwise presented in a convenient form. On screen 1200, thephysical factors 1218 are listed on one portion 1206 of the screen andthe actions or play items 1219 are listed on the other portion 1204 ofthe screen. The physical factor list 1218 is headed with an appropriatetitle 1210 and the actions or play item list 1219 is headed with anotherappropriate title 1214. We note that because breaking down of the gameof golf in this manner is new, we have had to invent names for the listsand the items on them, and as the art develops better names may becreated. However, it should be understood that the physical factors arethe terms that designate particular real-world physical conditions thatmay exist and must be addressed by the player in a round of golf, andthe actions or play items are terms that designate real-world actions,including body, limb and club positions, that a golfer can adjust tomake a play in response to the physical factors. Box 1216 reminds theuser of the example or physical situation that is being solved, and isalso a button that links to a selected actions summary page. If a customgolf ball physical situation has been selected, “Custom” replaces thewords “Play 16”. Button 1213 is a link back to screen 1150 of FIG. 27.Button 1217 shifts from the split screen shown in FIG. 28, to a screendisplaying only either the physical situation factors 1218, as in theleft portion 1206 of screen 1200, or the play items 1219, as in theright portion 1204 of screen 1200, depending on which side the cursor iscurrently placed on, and back to the split screen if only one of thelists is showing.

Each of the physical factors 1218 is a button that provides a link to ascreen or screens that describe the particular physical factors.Distance button 1220 links to a screen such as 400 that shows theterrain features 417 and distance 419 to the features. Grade-To-Greenbutton 1224, Green Speed button 1226, Ground Conditions button and windbutton 1250 link to a screen, such as 230, that describe these factors,preferably using writing or audio. This screen would be a littledifferent than 230 in that it would show the green and ground conditionsas well as the other factors. The green condition is usually speed, andground conditions relates to wet or dry, soft or hard. The Obstaclesbutton 1230 could also link to a picture showing the obstacle,preferably with something of a familiar size, such as a person or golfcart, next to it, so the size can be judged. Lie button 1240 links to ascreen having one or more pictures similar to one or more of pictures260, 303, and 333 (FIGS. 4-6). Slope button links to a screen having oneor more pictures such as pictures 350 (FIG. 7), and Ball Position button1246 links to a screen having one or more pictures such as pictures 375(FIG. 8). Preferably, if the screen 1200 is large enough, a plurality ofphysical factors are shown on one screen, similar to the screen 540.

Each of the action or play item buttons 219 links to a screen thatpermits the user to enter the indicted play item. Each screen preferablypresents a plurality of different choices for the play item, and theuser selects one of the choices. For example, if the Club button isclicked on, a screen that lists all possible clubs, including woods,irons, and putters is presented, and the user clicks on one of clubs,and that club name, such as 4 iron, replaces the term club on screen1200. Shot and swing may also be presented in words, though they alsomay be presented with a short video, with descriptive labels. The ClubFace, Grip, Body Position, Stance, Ball Position, and Weight arepreferably presented via a plurality of pictures, preferably withlabels, one of which the player selects by clicking on it. FIG. 29 is anexemplary embodiment of a play summary screen 1300 that presents anumber of such pictures with labels to give an idea of what suchpictures may look like. Pictures 1305 illustrate actions or play itemsof FIG. 28 responsive to a particular physical situation as they may beentered by a user. This play summary screen is reached by clicking onthe play button 1216, preferably after all play items 1219 have beenselected. Alternatively, a multiple entry screen, such as 1300 may bepresented to enable one or more entries to be viewed while the otherentries are being selected. The club is indicated in writing at 1320 andthe shot (in the narrower sense of drive, pitch, chip, or putt) isindicated in writing at 1324. As indicated at 1350, when “My Play” 1308is selected, left clicking on club display box 1320 brings up a screenshowing other clubs and allowing other choices. Similarly, clicking onshot box 1324 brings up a screen displaying other shots that may beselected. Grip selection box 1325 shows a picture 1328 illustrating thegrip selected, a label 1327, and a short written description 1329.Again, when “My Play” 1308 is selected, left clicking on this box 1325brings up a screen permitting other grips to be selected. Likewise ballposition box 1330, shows a picture 1331 of the selected ball position,and includes a label 1332, and a short written description 1333. Stanceselection box 1338 includes a picture 1337 of the selected stance, alabel 1339, and a short written description of the stance, and weightselection box 1346, shows a picture 1347 illustrating the weightdistribution selected, a label 1346 and a short description 1349 of theweight distribution. Swing selection box 1360 includes a label 1361 anda short description 1362 of the swing. Right clicking on this boxinitiates a short video showing the swing. When “My Play” 1308 isselected, left clicking on any of boxes 1330, 1338, 1346, and 1360brings up a screen permitting additional selections. When “Pro's Play”1314 is selected, left clicking on the boxes 1320, 1325, 1330, 1338,1346 and 1360 brings up a screen showing more detail about thecorresponding action that a professional may take. Each box 1320, 1325,1330, 1338, 1346 and 1360 includes a zoom button, such as 1345, whichallows the user to zoom in via a left click on the zoom button or zoomout via a right click on the zoom button. Screen 1300 also includes alegend 1306 that shows the course, the hole and the number of thephysical situation. By clicking on button 1314, the illustrations, anddescriptions in boxes 1320, 1325, 1330, 1338, 1346 and 1360 change tothe actions (play items) suggested by the professional, and by clickingon button 1308 the actions (play items) selected by the user aredisplayed. A check mark in the box 1310 and a darker appearance of theterm “My Play” indicates that the user's selections are displayed, whilea check mark in the box 1316 and a darker “Pro's Play indicate that theprofessional suggestions are displayed. Ball button 1355 switches to thePhysical Situation of Ball screen, as in the left portion 1206 of screen1200, button 1356 links to the Play item screen, as in the right portion1204 of screen 1200, and split button 1357 links to a screen that showsthe users selections side-by-side with the professional suggestions.Club House button 1358 links to the screen 1150 (FIG. 27), and Helpbutton 1369 links to help with the program or web site.

The system of the invention includes merchandizing software thatpresents opportunities for purchasing golf related merchandize in apolite and unobtrusive manner. The golf pro can also recommend othergolf pros if the player needs help with a specific skill or a moreadvanced coach. The golf pro can also recommend, clubs and other golfequipment as well as clothes, if asked.

A feature of the invention is that it assists players in gettingexcellent assistance from a golf pro, or, in the gaming embodiments,allows a user to gain experience that is actually applicable to playinggolf or other sports. There are many products on the market that callthemselves “golf caddies”, or by similar terms, but none of themactually provide a fraction of the assistance that a real living caddyprovides. The only information they provide is the distance to varioustargets, and, if the system has been programmed extensively by the user,the club that should be used. Devices that provide club selectioninformation have been available for a hundred years. As one simpleexample, a feature of the invention is that it provides the altitude ofthe golf course to the professional that is doing the coaching, in thesystems that teaches the judgmental aspects, and in the range finderaccording to the invention. The distance a golf ball travels is as muchdependent on the altitude of the course as well as whether one uses aneight iron or a nine iron. Yet, no previous “golf caddy” systems haveprovided this information.

Another feature of the invention is that it provides easilyunderstandable communications with a pro, or in the gaming embodiment,with the user, regarding al factors important to the decision on whatshot to make. For example, the grade, the slope or the ball position,all off which must be accurately reflected in judgmental decisions ofthe advice or practice, are all easily communicated.

There has been described a personal coaching system for assisting a userin learning the strategic and judgmental aspects of a sport, and havingnumerous novel features. In just one aspect, we have described a sportcall center herein. However, many other features have been describedwhich support the learning of the judgmental aspects of a sport. Itshould be understood that the particular embodiments described withinthis specification are for purposes of example and should not beconstrued to limit the invention. It is evident that the various partsof the different embodiments described may be combined with each other,process steps may occur in a different order from that shown, orcombined in a different manner, and additional features often found insoftware applications and web sites may be added. Any of the specificfeatures, processes or embodiments of the invention can be combined withany other of the specific features, processes or embodiments. Further,it is evident that those skilled in the art may now make numerous usesand modifications of the specific embodiment described, withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts. Equivalent structures andprocesses may be substituted for the various structures and processesdescribed or a variety of different electronic elements may be used.Consequently, the invention is to be construed as embracing each andevery novel feature and novel combination of features present in and/orpossessed by the personal coaching apparatus and methods described.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A method for coaching a player in judgmentalaspects of golf or for practicing said judgmental aspects of golf, saidmethod comprising: providing an electronic memory; storing in saidmemory: pictures of a golf ball physical situation that may occur ingolf; and response pictures or response descriptions illustrating aplurality of responses that may be taken in response to said physicalsituation, said response picture or response descriptions including aresponse that an expert would take to said golf ball physical situation;receiving a request for said coaching or practice; in response to saidrequest, simultaneously displaying said pictures of said golf ballphysical situation; receiving an input requesting what an expert wouldrespond to said physical situation; and displaying said pictures ordescriptions illustrating said response of said expert; said methodfurther comprising: displaying a plurality of said response pictures orresponse descriptions of possible actions responsive to said physicalsituation; receiving an input indicating the selection of one or more ofsaid response pictures or response descriptions; recording saidselection; and comparing said selected response pictures or responsedescriptions with said response of said expert to determine a score anddisplaying said score. 19-20. (canceled)
 21. A method as in claim 18 andfurther comprising storing a record of said physical situation and saidscore in a player database. 22-30. (canceled)
 31. A golf call centersystem comprising: a plurality of portable client computer systems, eachhaving a display, a memory, a camera, a portable telephone, and a golfcall center client computer software application stored in said memory;a plurality of golf professional computers system, each having a golfprofessional computer memory, a golf professional computer display, atelephone, and a golf call center professional computer applicationstored in said golf professional computer memory; a call center servercomputer system; and a call center manager software application on saidcall center server computer system.
 32. A golf call center system as inclaim 31 wherein said call center system further includes storedprerecorded responses to a golf ball physical situation that may occurin playing golf.
 33. A golf call center system as in claim 31, saidsystem further comprising a range finder system for generating anoverhead view of a golf course hole showing distances from said golfball to predetermined terrain features of said golf course hole.
 34. Agolf call center system as in claim 31, said system further comprising aplayer database storing information relating to the golf skills of aplurality of golf players.
 35. A golf call center system as in claim 31,said system further comprising a golf course database storing golfcourse mapping information. 36-39. (canceled)
 40. A method for coachinga player in judgmental aspects of a sport or for practicing saidjudgmental aspects of said sport, said method comprising: providing aclient computer having a first display; simultaneously displaying aplurality of pictures on said first display, each of said picturesshowing a different physical situation that may occur in said sport,said pictures including one or more pictures illustrating a possibleterrain on which said sport is played, said pictures not including apicture of said player playing said sport or a terrain on which saidplayer is playing, at least one of said pictures being sufficientlyclose up that a viewer can determine small details of the terrain of thephysical situation, such small details including details that are thesize of a short blade of grass; receiving an input indicating that saidplayer has selected one of said pictures to describe a physicalsituation with respect to which said player wants coaching; receivingadditional inputs describing said physical situation, including distanceinformation, sufficient to provide coaching related to said physicalsituation; and providing coaching to said player relating to saidphysical situation shown in said selected picture.
 41. (canceled)
 42. Amethod for coaching a player in judgmental aspects of a sport or forpracticing said judgmental aspects of said sport, said methodcomprising: providing an electronic memory; storing in said memorypictures of a physical situation that may occur in said sport, andresponse pictures or response descriptions illustrating a plurality ofactions that may be taken in response to said physical situation, saidresponse picture or response descriptions including a response that anexpert in said sport would take to said physical situation; receiving arequest for said coaching or practice; in response to said request,simultaneously displaying said pictures of said physical situation, saidpictures including one or more pictures illustrating a possible terrainon which said sport is played, said pictures not including a picture ofsaid player playing said sport or a terrain on which said player isplaying, at least one of said pictures being sufficiently close up thata viewer can determine small details of the terrain of the physicalsituation, such small details including details that are the size of ashort blade of grass; receiving an input requesting how an expert wouldrespond to said physical situation; and displaying said pictures ordescriptions illustrating said response of said expert.
 43. A method asin claim 42, said method further comprising: displaying a plurality ofsaid response pictures or response descriptions of possible actionsresponsive to said physical situation; and receiving an input indicatingthe selection of one or more of said response pictures or responsedescriptions.
 44. A method for coaching a player in judgmental aspectsof a sport, said method comprising: providing a client computer having aclient computer display and professional computer having a professionalcomputer display; using said client computer and said client computerdisplay, selecting a plurality of pictures illustrating a physicalsituation of immediate interest to said player, said pictures includingone or more pictures illustrating a possible terrain on which said sportis played, said pictures not including a picture of said player playingsaid sport or a terrain on which said player is playing, at least one ofsaid pictures being sufficiently close up that a viewer can determinesmall details of the terrain of the physical situation, such smalldetails including details that are the size of a short blade of grass;transmitting said plurality of pictures to said professional computerand simultaneously displaying said plurality of pictures on saidprofessional computer display; and providing coaching to said player onsaid judgmental aspects of said sport at least partially based on saidplurality of pictures.
 45. A system for coaching a player in judgmentalaspects of a sport or for practicing said judgmental aspects of saidsport, said system comprising: a computer readable medium embodyinginstructions for directing a first processing unit to: simultaneouslydisplay pictures of a physical situation that may occur in said sport,said pictures including one or more pictures illustrating a possibleterrain on which said sport is played said pictures not including apicture of said player playing said sport or a terrain on which saidplayer is playing, at least one of said pictures being sufficientlyclose up that a viewer can determine small details of the terrain of thephysical situation, such small details including details that are thesize of a short blade of grass; receive an input requesting what anexpert would respond to said physical situation; and in response to saidinput, display a response picture or response description illustratingthe response that an expert would take to said physical situation.
 46. Asystem as in claim 45 wherein said instructions further includeinstructions for directing said first processing unit to: receive arequest to display a plurality of response pictures or responsedescriptions of possible actions responsive to said physical situation;in response to said request, display response pictures or responsedescriptions illustrating a plurality of actions that may be taken inresponse to said physical situation; receive a signal indicating aselection of one or more of said response pictures or responsedescriptions; and display said selected one or more response pictures orresponse descriptions.
 47. A sport call center system comprising: aplurality of portable client computer systems, each having a display, amemory, a camera, a cell phone, and a sport call center client computersoftware application stored in said memory; a plurality of professionalcomputer systems, each having a professional computer memory, aprofessional computer display, a telephone, and a call centerprofessional computer application stored in said professional computermemory; a call center server computer system; and a call center managersoftware application on said call center server computer system.
 48. Asport call center system as in claim 47 wherein said system furtherincludes golf course terrain maps for a plurality of golf courses storedin said call center server computer system or one of said professionalcomputer systems.
 49. A sport call center system as in claim 47 whereinsaid system further includes pictures of a plurality of golf coursesstored in said call center server computer system or one of saidprofessional computer systems.
 50. (canceled)